Boys Town Washington D.C. Youth Form Unique Bond

Boys Town Washington D.C. youth in Chauna and Hubert Geter’s Treatment Family Home are building a unique relationship with a special family member - their Family-Teacher’s mother.

Beverly Brooks, Chauna’s mother, has been connecting with the boys in the Geter’s home since they came to the site several years ago. “She got hooked on the kids,” said Chauna. “She calls them her ‘grand-boys. So many of these youth grow up without relationships with their mom or grandma, and knowing that someone is loving and caring for them by choice is very important. They really appreciate her.”

Because she’s not a Boys Town Washington, D.C. employee, Beverly can’t visit all the time - but she makes a point to be around for birthdays and other celebrations. She says she wants the boys to feel like family. “Many of these boys have never experienced the love of a grandmother,” said Brooks. “I want them to feel special and welcome.”

Brooks says she strives to be a positive role model to the youth in the Geter home. “As I watch them mature and leave the program, I leave them with parting words, something inspirational, to help them remember the values they learned at Boys Town D.C.”

Though Brooks says it’s hard to become attached to the youth knowing they will eventually leave the program, she can’t help but spend time with them. “Since Chauna and Hubert don’t have any children of their own, they pour so much into the boys in their home, like real parents. It’s only natural that I act as a grandmother figure to them, too.”